Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The chart and table below show the results of a survey of library users at a university.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Categories of library users

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The pie chart and the matrix illustrate the proportions of library users at a higher educational institution and their levels of satisfaction with various library services.

Overall, the pie chart shows that the largest group of library users consists of full-time undergraduates, at 44%, while the lowest proportion is represented by teaching staff, at 7%. At the same time, the matrix describes the level of satisfaction among multiple groups, with customer service staff recording the highest satisfaction level, at 95%. In comparison, only 5% of users were moderately satisfied, while 0% were dissatisfied.

The pie chart shows that teaching staff account for 7% of library users, while the proportion of distance-learning students is 8%. Similarly, working graduate students make up 8% of the total. Meanwhile, 16% were regular postgraduate students, while full-time postgraduate students accounted for 25% of library users. Finally, full-time undergraduates represented the largest proportion, at 44%.

Furthermore, the matrix demonstrates the level of satisfaction across multiple categories. Service hours recorded 65% of users who were highly satisfied, while 35% were moderately satisfied, with no respondents expressing dissatisfaction. Customer service staff received the highest satisfaction rating, with 95% being highly satisfied, 5% moderately satisfied, and 0% dissatisfied, respectively.

Regarding the availability of books, 50% of users were highly satisfied, alongside 40% who were moderately satisfied and 10% who were dissatisfied. Journal access recorded 45% of users with the highest level of satisfaction, while 35% reported moderate satisfaction and 20% expressed dissatisfaction. Finally, network services received a highly satisfactory rating from 48% of users, whereas 33% were moderately satisfied and the remaining 19% were dissatisfied.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of both the pie chart and the satisfaction matrix. The overview highlights key extremes appropriately, such as full-time undergraduates being the largest user group at 44% and helpfulness of staff receiving the highest satisfaction at 95%. Data points are accurately cited throughout the response, such as 50% for book availability and 48% for wi-fi reliability, allowing the reader to grasp the core statistical information without distortion. There are no missing trends or major omissions of data categories. This performance satisfies the criteria for Band 7.0 by addressing all parts of the prompt with a clear overview and well-supported figures.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression from the introduction through the pie chart details and finally to the satisfaction matrix data. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas and chart types. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Meanwhile', 'Furthermore', and 'Regarding the availability of books' are used to guide the reader through the data smoothly. However, referencing occasionally feels slightly mechanical, and transitions between paragraphs could be woven together with greater natural flexibility. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow, aligning well with the Band 7.0 descriptor for logical progression and paragraphing.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student employs a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss statistical data flexibly and with reasonable precision. Phrases such as 'proportions of library users', 'highest satisfaction level', and 'moderate satisfaction' demonstrate an appropriate academic tone. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'matrix' and 'respondents expressing dissatisfaction'. However, there are minor awkward expressions or slight mischaracterisations of labels, such as referring to 'Academic staff' as 'working graduate students' or 'teaching staff', and 'customer service staff' instead of 'Helpfulness of staff'. These lexical slips prevent the score from reaching higher bands. Nonetheless, communication is never impeded, fitting the Band 6.5 descriptor well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases such as 'while 35% were moderately satisfied, with no respondents expressing dissatisfaction'. Grammatical control is generally strong, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the text. The majority of sentences are error-free, and minor errors are virtually absent. The command over complex structures and tense consistency reflects a solid grasp of grammar, comfortably meeting the standard for Band 7.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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